People walk onto the ferry Tazlina on Sunday, May 5, 2019, in Juneau, Alaska. More than 800 people toured the newest Alaska state ferry Sunday, even though the entire Alaska Marine Highway System faces an uncertain future. (Alex McCarthy/Juneau Empire via AP)

Mary Siroky, the transportation department’s deputy director, said under the Senate’s plan, the runs that make the most money would get the most service this winter. She said the most lucrative runs are the ones from Bellingham, Washington, while the ferry runs to smaller Alaska coastal communities are at the opposite end.

"Frankly, the village runs don't make a lot of money, so those communities will probably see a little less service," Siroky said.

The administration has contracted for a study with Northern Economics to determine the best way forward for the ferry system.

The new ferry is impressive, but Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, said she couldn't help but worry about the future of the marine highway system.

"It's something new and sparkly, so that's great," Hannan said, "and making sure we continue to have great service up Lynn Canal. That's great, but there are mixed emotions around the long-term planning and what we're going to do and how we're going to serve the region."

Christopher Coutu of Juneau toured the ferry Sunday with his wife and children. He said Sunday’s event served as an example to lawmakers of how vital the boats are to those who live in coastal, roadless areas of the state.

"At a time where they keep talking about budget cuts and budget cuts for the ferries, it's really good to see investment in the marine highway system," Coutu said. "It's important, and I think the turnout today shows how important it is."

The Tazlina is the first of two Alaska Class ferries for the system. The second, the Hubbard, will operate out of Prince William Sound, also as a day boat. It will begin service in summer 2020, said transportation department spokeswoman Aurah Landau.